Leeds to Saltaire Canal Walk

13.7 miles (22 km)

This walk runs from Leeds to Saltaire along a fine section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The route runs for just under 14 miles, following the towpath north west to Kirkstall Abbey, Rodley Nature Reserve and Shipley before finishing in Saltaire.
This is a varied waterside walk that begins in the heart of Leeds before quickly leaving the city behind and following the canal through a mixture of urban and rural landscapes.... The towpath provides a generally straightforward walking surface, with the canal and its working locks, bridges and historic buildings providing plenty of interest along the way.
One of the highlights is Kirkstall Abbey, the impressive ruins of a twelfth-century Cistercian monastery beside the River Aire. Further along, the route passes Rodley Nature Reserve, an important wetland area where the canal and river corridor provide habitats for a variety of birds and other wildlife.
The walk continues through the Aire Valley towards Shipley before reaching Saltaire, the remarkable Victorian model village founded by Sir Titus Salt. The village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its well-preserved stone buildings, former textile mill and attractive setting beside the River Aire providing an excellent destination at the end of the walk.